Some restaurants thrive on reputation, while others continuously redefine themselves to stay ahead of the culinary curve.
CHAR Bar & Grill, the flagship Western restaurant concept by IHG Hotels & Resorts, falls firmly into the latter camp.
With the
unveiling of CHAR Bar & Grill 2.0, this celebrated
dining destination has transformed itself into an immersive playground
for food lovers, where the ancient art of charcoal grilling meets modern
mixology in a harmonious interplay of flavor, creativity, and design.
Crafted in collaboration with international culinary talents and a world-class mixologist, CHAR 2.0 is more than a restaurant — it’s a multisensory experience.
The concept revolves around the 'new five senses' of relaxation, presence, originality, atmosphere, and social interaction, offering an alluring escape for urban diners.
A Culinary Awakening, One Charcoal-Infused Dish at a Time
At CHAR 2.0, the grill isn’t just a cooking tool — it’s the heart of the kitchen, where the elemental power of fire and smoke transforms fresh, seasonal ingredients into culinary works of art.
The reimagined menu, co-created by chef consultant Brian Arruda, boldly blurs the boundaries of traditional Western dining.
Gone are the predictable divisions of starters, mains, and desserts.
Instead, the menu invites guests to share in the primal pleasure of charcoal-grilled flavors, from the vegetal sweetness of the Liquid Nitrogen Garden Crudités to the decadent richness of the Sizzling Wagyu Marrow Rice Bowl.
For seafood lovers, the Char-Grilled Uni Custard with Trio of Fish Roe is an irresistible highlight.
Picture this: the silky custard carries the briny freshness of sea urchin, enhanced by the umami depth of lobster bisque and the light tang of tomato.
The dish is served with fried seaweed crisps for a textural counterpoint — a bite of the ocean elevated to art.
These dishes aren’t just meals — they’re performances, designed to engage the diner in the rituals of eating.
Whether it’s mixing your own Wagyu marrow rice or cracking into a liquid nitrogen–chilled vegetable platter, CHAR turns the act of dining into an event.
Cocktails That Tell a Story
Equally compelling is CHAR 2.0’s innovative cocktail menu, a collaboration with renowned mixologist Lio Yao.
Each drink is a narrative, inspired by themes of philosophy, literature, and local culture.
The lineup is divided into four chapters — Preface, Homage to the Classics, Own the Moment, and Paint the Future — reflecting the brand’s commitment to blending heritage with modernity.
Take THE BOOK, for instance, a smoky mezcal creation layered with toasted coconut and plum wine, evoking a sense of nostalgia and discovery.
Or the CHAR-GRONI, a contemporary riff on the classic Negroni that incorporates Pu’er tea from Yunnan, marrying the smoky notes of cherry wood with the elegance of Italian cocktail craftsmanship.
For a lighter, playful option, PEANUT COLADA transforms the island flavors of coconut and rum with Yunnan-grown peanuts, delivering a refreshingly unique take on a tropical classic.
Then there’s LESS IS MORE, a minimalist cocktail that strips away excess to celebrate the purity of its ingredients — a true reflection of modern simplicity.
Where Social Meets Sensory
More than just a dining destination, CHAR 2.0 is an invitation to gather, connect, and savor life.
The restaurant’s open kitchens and live charcoal demonstrations enhance the sense of theater, while warm lighting, curated playlists, and bold design elements create a space that’s equal parts inviting and sophisticated.
This isn’t a place for hurried meals. It’s where city dwellers come to slow down, revel in great food and conversation, and leave with a story to tell.
A Brand on the Rise
With eight locations already established across Greater China — including standout spots at InterContinental properties in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Xi’an — CHAR Bar & Grill is poised to bring its 2.0 concept to more diners in the months ahead.
Starting January 2025, the new dining and cocktail menus will roll out nationwide, offering fresh opportunities for guests to rediscover the art of grilling and social dining.
“CHAR Bar & Grill 2.0 isn’t just an upgrade—it’s a reinvention,” says Jerome Qiu, Chief Operating Officer of IHG Greater China. “We’re responding to modern diners who crave not just great food, but also meaningful experiences. This is where tradition meets innovation, and where dining becomes something unforgettable.”
For those seeking the next big thing in food and drink, CHAR Bar & Grill 2.0 offers an invitation that’s impossible to resist.
Prepare to experience fire, flavor, and creativity as you’ve never seen — or tasted — them before.
0 User Comments